Requirement 1

Do the following:

A. Describe the safety precautions you should take when handling and caring for a horse.

Answer: Wear sturdy hard-toed shoes or boots that will protect your feet if the horse steps on them, get the horse's attention before approaching or touching, and always approach the horse from the front, be calm and quiet, feed treats from buckets or tubs, and etc.

B. Describe the fire safety precautions you should take in a barn and around horses.

Answer: Never allow smoking in or near the barn, keep the barn aisles clean and clear of carts, tack, and other items that would accelerate a fire or hinder a rescue attempt, remove cobwebs from the barn and surrounding buildings regularly, keep the grass mowed short around the barn as well.

Requirement 2

Name 15 main parts of a horse.

Parts of a Horse

Requirement 3

Name four breeds of horses. Explain the special features for which each breed is known.

American Quarter Horses Special features which the American Quarter Horse is known for are that they are sure-footed and agile, even at high speeds. And they are especially known for their "cow sense” that is a instinctive skill for maneuvering cattle.

Arabian Horses Special features which the Arabian Horse is known for are that the purebred Arabian horse is striking. Arabians are known for their long, arched necks and high tail carriage. They have floating gaits and are smooth to ride for their size.

Thoroughbred Horse Special features which the Thoroughbred Horse is known for are that they can reach speeds of around 40 miles per hour. Their back legs are particularly long, which amplifies thrust as they gallop. And even though they are powerful, muscular horses, they're able to move with grace and agility.

Warmblood Horse Special features which the Thoroughbred Horse is known for are that they have straight and long back and a smooth topline. Well-muscled neck. Powerful and Well-muscled hindquarter. The tail is set high, and the legs are extended.

Requirement 4

Describe the symptoms of colic. Name and describe four other horse health problems.

Requirement 5

Explain what conformation is and why it is important. Explain the difference between lameness and unsoundness.

Requirement 6

Explain the importance of hoof care and why a horse might need to wear shoes.

Requirement 7

Demonstrate how to groom a horse, including picking hooves and caring for a horse after a ride.

Requirement 8

Explain how to determine what and how much to feed a horse and why the amount and kind of feed are changed according to the activity level and the breed of horse.

Requirement 9

Do the following:

A. Name 10 parts of the saddle and bridle that you will use, and explain how to care for this equipment.

B. Show how to properly saddle and bridle a horse.

C. Demonstrate how to safely mount and dismount a horse.

Requirement 10

Explain and demonstrate how to approach and lead a horse safely from a stall, corral, or field and how to tie the horse securely.

Requirement 11

On level ground, continuously do the following movements after safely mounting the horse. Do them correctly, at ease, and in harmony with the horse:

A. walk the horse in a straight line for 60 feet.

B. Walk the horse in a half circle of not more than 16 feet in radius.

C. Trot or jog the horse in a straight line for 60 feet.

D. Trot or jog the horse in a half circle of not more than 30 feet in radius.

E. Halt straight.

F. Back up straight four paces.

G. Halt and dismount.

External links

• Horsemanship Merit Badge with Workbook PDF, current requirements, and resources.
• Horse Diseases
• How to Mount and Dismount a Horse on YouTube.com